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function of law of torts

In its modern, economic sense,
deterrence aims at reducing the number of accidents by imposing a heavy financial cost on unsafe conduct. A distinction is necessary between specific and general
deterrence. The former depends largely on the admonitory effect of tort law. This, however, is limited where insurance cushions the defendant from the economic consequences of an adverse judgment (though...

purpose of

prisons

There are a number of accepted reasons for the use of imprisonment. One approach aims to deter those who would otherwise commit crimes (general
deterrence) and to make it less likely that those who serve a prison sentence will commit crimes after their release (individual
deterrence). A second approach focuses on issuing punishment to, or obtaining retribution from, those who have committed...

punishment

According to utilitarian theories, punishment is justified by its
deterrence of criminal behaviour and by its other beneficial consequences for individuals as well as for society. Among several utilitarian theories recognized by criminologists, some stress general
deterrence and some individual
deterrence.

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